Vikings Trade for Lions TE T.J. Hockenson

(AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)

The Lions traded Hockenson, a 2023 fourth-round pick and conditional 2024 selection, to the Vikings for a 2023 second-rounder and 2024 third-rounder. I think this is a great trade for the Vikings. Hockenson is 25 and is under contract through next year. He was a top-10 pick himself and is without a doubt a top-10 tight end in the NFL.

This trade makes all the sense in the world. The usual NFC darlings, like the Rams, Bucs, and Packers, are having a drag of a season. That could turn around, but it’s not looking great for those teams. That means the NFC is pretty wide open. The undefeated Eagles are untested in the playoffs. The 49ers have everything you need including experience but can’t seem to stay healthy. And the Cowboys are an amazing defense but have questionable coaching and unreliable offense. The NFC is wide open and someone has to win.

If there is any year for the Vikings to try and go for it it’s this year. And why not? They’re 6-1 and have a firm hold on the division. The offense and defense are starting to look more stable after that win over the Cardinals. It’s a position of need with Irv Smith going down with an injury. This is exactly the kind of move I was hoping for if the Vikings were to make a trade on offense. I guess I just didn’t realize Hockenson was available.

Like Hockenson himself said in a presser during which “I am so excited” was uttered more than I could count, him being out there with Justin Jefferson will only make things easier for the both of them, Kirk Cousins, and the run game. With Hockenson out there, the defense won't have an easy time doubling JJ, or knowing whether it’s run or pass based on the tight end that’s in the game. Hockenson can both block and catch well!

And for what was given up for him, basically moving down a round and a half in the 2023 draft and moving a 3rd round pick in the 2024 draft, this was a no-brainer.

Love it. Skol Kwesi. Skol Vikes.